Giants still see plenty of growth for their shortstop, who is finally back at full strength

The most famous grip change in baseball last season took place during a Giants batting practice session, when Brandon Belt tweaked the way he holds the bat, added a couple of other minor fixes and started hitting everything in sight.

Two lockers down, Brandon Crawford underwent a lesser-known change in 2013, one initiated by injury, not ineffectiveness. The results weren’t nearly as prolific for this Brandon. After spraining his right index and middle fingers on June 18, Crawford spent a few weeks swinging with the index finger in the air, rather than curled around the bat. Like Marco Scutaro, Crawford soon started having issues with the middle finger, which was overcompensating.

When he jammed his hand, Crawford was hitting .288 with a .351 on-base percentage and .424 slugging percentage. From then on: .211/.273/.305. As his numbers plummeted, Crawford never pointed to the injury, even as he strapped a guard over his fingers as protection when he ran the bases. But he acknowledges now that he probably returned to the field too quickly. With the Giants still in the race, Crawford pinch-ran the day after the injury and then missed just two games.

“If I had given it a little more rest, it might not have hurt the rest of the season,” Crawford said. “It bothered me the whole season after that.”

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At that, the shortstop stopped and smiled.

“Ask Belt,” he said. “A grip (problem) can lead to some issues.”

The subtle alteration became a big issue for a player who already fights a mechanical bug. When Crawford is right – like last April, when he hit five homers in his first 24 games – he is short to the ball. But he has a tendency to “drift in the box,” hitting coach Hensley Meulens said, leading to weak flares and strikeouts during slumps.

“We need to see if he can maintain that swing consistency,” Meulens said. “He drifts and that’s one of the things that caused him to be late on some fastballs or miss breaking balls.”

The issue has plagued Crawford for years, even sometimes when he puts up good numbers. Crawford hit .371 for the San Jose Giants in 2009 and slugged six homers in 25 games, but he looks back on that run and remembers “gliding” too much at the plate. The proof, Crawford said, is in the 32 strikeouts in 105 at-bats.

“I’ve always had that problem and I’m sure it’s something I’ll battle my whole career,” Crawford said. “A lot of work in the cage is the only way to fix it.”

Effort won’t be an issue as Crawford tries to find consistency. He’s known as a tireless worker and, despite his laid-back and often-sarcastic persona, coaches say Crawford is as competitive as any player in the clubhouse. Andy Skeels, his manager in 2009, lights up when asked about Crawford, and Skeels believes the shortstop will make the proper adjustments.

“Brandon is one of the smartest kids I’ve ever been around,” Skeels said. “I always thought he was going to be a big leaguer and I still think he’s capable of more, to be honest with you. I still think he’s capable of a lot more.”

The rest of the organization does too, in part because Crawford has never spent much time with Skeels or any other minor league manager. A number of factors led to Crawford never playing a full season at one minor league stop, and getting only 107 at-bats in Triple-A.

Now two months past his 27th birthday, Crawford already has settled into the life of a big league veteran. He has a World Series ring, enough defensive highlights to fill movie night at his Scottsdale home and a second daughter due on Saturday.

But in baseball terms, Crawford is still a relative neophyte, and that excites the Giants. Injuries and the occasional growing pains have limited Crawford to just over 2,100 at-bats as a professional, about the number the Giants hope to see from their top prospects in the minor leagues alone.

“This guy has been learning on the job, so to speak,” Meulens said. “He didn’t get to work out those kinks in the minor leagues. We needed a shortstop (in 2011) and he found himself in the big leagues early. They’re valuable at-bats that he’s gotten, while winning a World Series and competing at a high level. But he can still grow a lot.”

sam is similar to Potsie Weber, always on the outside looking in. Remember Sam when the Head Nurse comes to dole out the Meds – remember to actually swallow yours – don’t sneak them under your tongue. Both Brandon’s are starters due to the remarkable fact that their bosses who get paid to determine these things, have determined that one Brandon is the starting shortstop and the other is the starting firstbaseman. Sam your trolling as did your other 5 personas. Happy Belvedere sam.

ClutchUp

Good to see there are still REAL brains on this site. That premise of wished-for minor league total at bats prior to coming to the SHOW is the bottom line. Whenever JT Snow talks to fans about the supposed flailings of young Giants hitters – he is quick to point out that he had 2000 minor league at bats.http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=snow–001jac

Michael Scott

If they do keep Adrianza and he shows well, Crawford would be an attractive trade chip after the season. Comparing the two in the field, Tulowitzki/Crawdad and Vizquel/Ehire are reasonably close comps. I don’t see a Crawford move to second and I don’t see Adrianza there long term. They’re both shortstops- one is leaving-soon.
IMO.

Michael Scott

You get a quicker hit when dissolving them under the tongue.

Foothills Ryan

You know it. Tucked beneath Bel Air. Star maps just around the corner. I used to see John Lythgow walk his dog on campus. Yessirree, the Westwood lamp of knowledge lent it’s light to you too.

Foothills Ryan

Confused about the Tulo/Craw comp but whatever. One may have to leave soon and that could be sooner than later. Adrianza is looking good and it’s not just to us fans. There may be some scouts out there who may initiate the chain reaction that ultimately leads to the phone on Saban’s desk going ring-a-ling-a-ling. Boston may have a spot for Adrianza now.

Bapah

You mean Dr. Lizardo woks his dog on that Buchenwald of a campus? BTW it’s Lithgow. Must be a Spoiled Child Grad

Michael Scott

It’s a good comp, in the field. As to a trade, I’d roll the dice on Ehire and move Crawford, who would bring much more

Bapah

Large sub-lingual vascular bed. Similar to a Murphy-Calif. King combo.

If he hits .250 he’s worth it – remember most of that time he was stuck at the bottom of the order – when he hit second he did a lot better as I recall. Can’t believe peeps want to dump the best SS we’ve had since Tay-nada. ;o)

Michael Scott

“Large sub-lingual vascular bed.”
Are they available in stores or are there operators standing by?

Bapah

One must be(a)ware of stealthy U of Watts grads.

paul in p.v.

From yesterday’s analysis: “Another impressive component is a component that didn’t matter, but look how Crawford got back up. There was no one on base, but he would’ve been in throwing position. He popped right back to his feet, and just every part of this shows off the sort of athleticism and coordination that’s the difference between a good shortstop and a decent second baseman.”

ClutchUp

I love North Hollywood for the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences and an occasional drop-in to Universal Studios on the outskirts. Also Zombie Joe’s has cornered the market on strangeness.

Michael Scott

In other words, you agree with me.

Bapah

It used to be the spot where agents (clandestine-oid) would inject KCl as an antidote to the life force. Instant heart attack, no needle marks. Have you forgotten your spy training?

Bapah

I’m sorry, Trade-Craft.

ClutchUp

Neither Brandon(s) nor Adrianza are going anywhere. The Braves, Twins and Reds could use Abreu for IF depth and some minor injuries their IF’s have suffered…

Foothills Ryan

Got a Master Lock on that statement?

Foothills Ryan

I suppose so. Wouldn’t be a first.

Michael Scott

In my first comment on this, I said “after the season”, that’s “soon” for us old folks. I don’t disagree about Abreu

Bapah

It was a spot I used frequently for the injection of Narcan to smack ODs while a paramedic for the C&C of San Francisco. They’d come out of their stupor like a filly out of the gate at GG Fields.

Michael Scott

Not that that’s a plus in your column.

ClutchUp

Sigh, ‘Ruin Tomorrow’ woke up to read that Cole Hamels said he won’t throw off a mound for at least another week after suffering from fatigue following his latest throwing session. After throwing off the mound Saturday for the third time this spring, Hamels said he NO longer feels so good. “I believe I threw 35 pitches,” Hamels said Thursday. “To my body, it felt like a thousand.” A three-time All-Star and former World Series MVP, Hamels is entering the second season of a six-year, $144 million contract, the largest contract in Phillies’ history.

To quote Kuip: This is not good folks: When 35 pitches FEEL like 1000.

channelclemente

This tired arm or leg stuff is becoming widespread.

ClutchUp

When’s YOUR next bullpen session? Don’t “catch” what Cole Hamels has!

channelclemente

The miracle of diastole.

channelclemente

Bonds can tell you, part of his ‘vitamins’ were sub-lingual.

Bapah

Why is throwing off a mound more tiring that throwing on flat ground? Is it the up-hill climb before every pitch?

Michael Scott

You know something I love- when I make a comment and then see that 29 other people are typing. Furiously, I’m sure.

Bapah

Sustained Diastole is the problem, not diastole, per se.

channelclemente

Indeed, skill and tradecraft.

channelclemente

Not enough you drink ripple, you create them with a big rock.

Michael Scott

Trading is not “dumping”.

ClutchUp

Sweet = first pitch 76 degrees

Samhatesbelt

What is that in mph?

Michael Scott

T-Bird was my preference. Woodsy. As in “drunk in the woods”.

channelclemente

Why am I not surprised. T-bird was upscale.

channelclemente

Could be, he was popular there when the Royals reeled him from the Dodgers, I think.

Michael Scott

Drugs for anxiety attacks are frequently taken in that manner. Like a couple Ativan when Kershaw is on the hill.

channelclemente

Did you ever watch Ryne Sandberg? That, IMO, is Crawford’s comp at 2B.

Michael Scott

Oh yeah? How about “Chateau Rege” ? (pronounced “Reggie” ) 2 bucks a gallon. Only available from an unmarked storefront in North Beach. Don’t be talkin’ upscale to me, pal. Heck, I use a margarine substitute ( OK, I stole that from the late, great Jackie Vernon )..

He threw 35 pitches. Game day must not count pitches that are fouled off?

Samhatesbelt

How is it trolling to say that having Crawford and Adrianza on the IF at the same time is bad for the offense? What have you seen from Crawford and Adrianza that leads you to believe they are both better than average ML hitters?

Bapah

That’s what GD had, I just didn’t correct L.

Samhatesbelt

Nicer than little Tyrone was inside yours

Samhatesbelt

Is that your pickup line with the juves?

ClutchUp

GAME DAY must read this blog. They have this up now
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Ht: 5’11″ Wt: 170 lbs Age: 29

Is this something new with Pitch fx; touch pitch number and diagram comes up?

Bapah

Right now Loe has same pitch count as Tim, but not nearly as good of numbers.

ClutchUp

NEW POST

Anti-Lasorda

I have you both beat….
It was called Spinada….

Samhatesbelt

Product of my environment playa

channelclemente

Blindness is a symptom, that explains a lot. (;~)

Samhatesbelt

Why is it more tiring to walk up a hill as opposed to a horizontal
Surface?

paul in p.v.

C/C:
1. How come? Has BC35 ever played 2B?
2. Why Sandberg?? He was good – but got into the HOF based on some sort of personality cult, imho.
3. Your obsession to shift BC35 to 2B may be helped with prozac or some other med, like Mirapex or Clonopin. Xanax is also awesome! ;o) snorkel

channelclemente

Ever played is a little silly, given the Sandberg comp.

I saw Sandberg play at Wrigley. I’ve never seen anyone at 2B with those skills, ever. You’d see him play day in and day out, and just marvel.

If you analyze, IMO, Crawford’s foot speed, footwork, which sides he strongest to, it comes out 2B to me. A strong opinion doesn’t constitute an obsession. You should lay down the PDR and take a look at a few scouting reports.

Besides, if Adrianza can hit, he’ll be SS or 2B himself. He’s the second coming of Luis Aparicio, IMO. I contend, the Giants have the makings of the best defensive infield in baseball here, regardless.